Chicago Summer Challenge: 2024 All Tournament First Team
The 2024 group at the Chicago Summer Challenge was a deep and geographically diverse field. For the all tournament teams one brief editorial note. I’ve decided to leave out elite prospects such as James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe 2024 group at the Chicago Summer Challenge was a deep and geographically diverse field. For the all tournament teams one brief editorial note. I’ve decided to leave out elite prospects such as James Brown James Brown 6'9" | C Link Academy (from Chicago) | 2024 #66 Nation MO and Chris Riddle. This is simply because they primarily played up in the 2023 age group. If you haven’t caught them yet they are very special prospects.
PG- Jaquan Johnson Jaquan Johnson 5'10" | PG Pius XI | 2024 State WI 5-9 Pius XI (WI) Three is a charm. Third time I have I wrote about this prospect in three days. But his play more than warrants it. I would encourage you the read the previous reports to avoid redundancy. Despite not having great size. Is the prototype of what you want a point guard to be. Tight handle, tough as nails, and an excellent passer. Makes up for lack of size with top shelf athleticism on a sturdy well built frame.
SG- Payton Kamin Payton Kamin 6'7" | SF Worcester Academy | 2025 State NLG 6-5 DePaul Prep (IL) (pictured at top of article) Lived up to his earned reputation as a scorer on the weekend. But did it in an impressive variety of ways. Doesn’t take long to realize he can really stroke it from behind the arc. Has a unique but effective release on his shot. When teams ran him off the line was very adept at putting it on the deck. Showed a nice floater in a Sunday loss to the Mac Irvin Fire. Scored 21 points in that contest. Competes hard defensively and did some work down low as Team Ten Jabari Parker was minus it’s starting post. The arrow continues to point up for this wing that has had a breakout summer on the Prep Hoops Circuit.
SF- Stevie Clark Stevie Clark 6'6" | SF Oshkosh North | 2024 State #322 Nation WI 6-5 Oshkosh North (WI) This prospect has the three “L’s” going for him at the swing man position. Long, lanky, and left handed. Played well for a Wisconsin Playground Club that had a good weekend (see above) I really liked the elevation that he showed on a traditional jump shot. Athleticism to play well above the rim. Once again the long arms help in this regard. Explosive in the open court and could really get out in transition. Good court vision and a willing passer. Especially pushing it ahead on the break.
PF- Pat Schaller 6-6 Glenbrook North (IL) Often with 2024 prospects some projection is needed. With this prospect not so much. You already know what you getting. A solid and skilled stretch four. Not going to blow you away athletically but does everything else very well. I was impressed by his passing out the high post on Friday. In a close victory against Team Ten Jabari Parker (see above) played an efficient two man game with point guard and regular season teammate Josh Fridman. Also played well on Sunday in showdown with JJ Hernandez JJ Hernandez 6'6" | PF Glenbard North | 2024 State IL and SWISH Chicago.
C- Malcolm Morris 6-6 Urbana (IL) Anchored an impressive Illinois Hoopstars squad that was undefeated on the weekend. His defensive prowess and rim protection allowed his teammates to be a very aggressive in passing lanes. Morris sports a stocky solid frame with long arms. This makes him a constant presence on the offensive glass. Has good lateral quickness and runs the court very well for his size. Skilled enough to snag rebounds and lead breaks by himself. A lot of potential and athletic upside in this young post prospect.